Jim Parsons ; The Reason Why ‘Big Bang Theory’ Is Ending

The actor was apparently ready to move on from his starring role as Dr. Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” after Season 12, according to Entertainment Weekly. CBS reportedly attempted to negotiate two more seasons of the hit sitcom but Parsons said no, even though he was set to earn more than $50 million from the deal.

The actor posted an emotional tribute to “The Big Bang Theory” on Instagram shortly after news broke Thursday that he had turned down the huge payday.

“It is hard (nearly impossible, actually) to really accept that this is a picture of the first of the final 24 episodes we will shoot for The Big Bang Theory,” he wrote. “I feel very fortunate that we have another 23 episodes to shoot this season because I am hopeful that with each and every one, my level of REALLY accepting this fact will sink in.”